While 1984 isn’t usually what comes to mind when thinking of incredible tours, this is a fine example of Jerry and the band at their absolute peak in terms of listening to each other and creating a vivid space from which to improvise. Jerry’s health was in huge decline during this period, his vocals often being strained to the point of scorched during most of 1983-1985. It wasn’t until after the coma and return to the road in 1987 that he could croon on a regular basis. However, there were often many great nights of guitar playing pre coma. At this point, he was still performing magically on most nights. The Greek Theatre was always a special place for the band and this run was no exception. This night was the first of a three night run and the first back in their hometown winding down from the long summer tour that started out West, moved to the East and then Midwest. This night among other things was known for the breakout of Dark Star for the first time since New Years 81 and more interestingly played as an encore, While that was satisfying in its own right, I believe the Scarlet Begonias —> Touch of Grey —> Fire on the Mountain was the barn burner of the show. This jam in Scarlet, prior to the move to Touch of Grey, which hadn’t ever happened before this night as far as I know, was intense, full of energy and great band syncopation. Paul and I are constantly looking for that magic in the music and this was no exception. The interplay between Jerry’s leads, Bob and Phil’s rhythmic foundation, the drummers cool fresh sounds and Brent who had come into his own (almost 5 years at this point) was highlighted by this mesmerizing jam. I find this full of energy and fresh ideas that I have drawn from in countless jams. The pace starts out nice and even and then builds dynamically throughout to an interesting crescendo. What always keeps me coming back to this jam is the upbeat nature of it. Scarlet jams could be sometimes short, spacey or even somewhat measured. There might be better ones, but this is pretty cool. I especially like the tease at the end into Fire on the Mountain, which Jerry actually abandons in favor of Touch of Grey

SBD can sound boring (no audience participation) and AUD...though sometimes very good depending on gearand venue can be too mid heavy. Matrix is the best of both worlds IMHO and how I feel I am back there living it all again.

Very nice Dark Star (last verse "ouch" -but that's ok), though some "dis" it.
To me, this DS seemed like a leaping off point for the rest of '84 and into '85 where many of their jams had a spacey DS quality...unlike most previous '80s shows. Maybe it was a "can of worms" that needed opening??? Well ...I for one am glad they did and love the Greek having been there only once in person. Dig this one everyone!

This is photo of the set up before the famous night at the Greeks.
http://images.gdao.org/view/image/ark%3A%2F38305%2Fg48051rz%2Fis%2F1
So lucky to have been here.

I hadn't thought about this show for awhile, thanks to Hunter for posting this on his Facebook page today. My daughter and I have been listening to this today, and it really is one of the best of 1984. The small hall shows, including Hult and Marin County are very good, as is Cedar Rapids on July 4, but this has one of the best live versions of Hell In A Bucket, and the second set is as good as any in the first half of this decade. The Scarlet>Grey>Fire is unusual, of course, and not only did they play Dark Star, they played it very well. I think this version outclasses the previous 4 played between 12-31-78 through 12-31-81. This isn't an elite show, but it is very, very good.

this was one of my fav all time shows,lots of x and fri the 13th full moon with a shooting star over the stage during dark star! can't ask for more than that ;) great quality board, i only have the dark star in sbd so ill have to download this at some point

Great show--of course.

1. On this night, a very cool Touch of Grey gets in the middle of a Scarlet/Fire sandwich...@ the legendary Greek nonetheless.

2. Last Dark Star until 1989--in case no one mentioned this fact.

3. Peace

This is a SUPER Matrix! Good show too! All of the instruments and vocals are well defined! Something special about the Greeks.........

Great night. Drove down from Seattle with my buddy Louis. Both if us just 18 and had ticks for all three shows and a place to crach is Sausalito.

The energy at these shows were never duplicated any place I went and saw them.

Out of all the shows I've heard on archive this Greek Theater run seems to suck me back in like a vortex. One can only imagine what it must have sounded liked to be there and here over the big P.A. system. I was only 6 at the time and my parents weren't heads so i got f'd in that aspect of life. Just from hearing the boards it sounded like the Dead ripped the columns off the joint. Listen to this run if you haven't heard it before and join me in this VORTEX!!!!

It's like listening to a completely different show with the matrix, the SBD is awkwardly balanced (and it seems like this for a lot of '84)and the aud source really helps this show get to its full potential.

'84 is not my cup of tea, but what I do like is mostly found in this run @ the Greek. On this night the SB, Fire and SB are sweet. Kudos for the curve balls of the TOG placement, execution a bit rough, and the DS encore. It's a nice DS, not sure if that's the word association one wants. Not a usual listener of Matrix shows, but This is the source to listen to. SBD is too hollow, the only Aud is very bright and trebly. This is just right.

Thanks for the Matrix